As we move into the new year of 2018 let us remember to:
Look Back with Thanksgiving
James 1:17 (ESV): Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
We can look back at 2017 with thanksgiving for the good times and blessings we have enjoyed. We can and should also be thankful for provision during the hard times. Even if it was a difficult year for you, there is always, ALWAYS something to be thankful for. You had friendships, you were able to provide for your family and maybe even have some unanswered prayers to be thankful for. Make a list of things you were thankful for last year. Revisit it when needed.
Focus on the Future
Isaiah 43:18-19 (ESV): “Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”
We should look back in thanksgiving but not spend precious time on regret or guilt. No matter your past or the mistakes you made last year (we all made mistakes!) God is doing a NEW thing! He can make a way even when it seems impossible. The even better news? You don’t just get January 1st for a new start! His mercies and provision are new every morning, even every hour when needed. Isn’t that awesome news?
Plan Ahead for the Coming Year
Luke 14:28-29 (ESV): For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him,
Call it resolutions, goals, aspirations, visioning; God doesn’t expect us to go through life willy-nilly with no intentionality. Make some plans. Boldly go through the doors that open and wisely turn away from the doors that are closed. It’s difficult to steer a vehicle that’s not moving.
Psalm 20:4 (NIV): May He give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.
Prayerfully make those plans. God want us to succeed in endeavors that honor Him; both for His glory and for our pleasure. He is looking to give good gifts to His children. (Matt 7:11) Partner with Him in that!
Be Content in All Circumstances
Philippians 4:12-13 (NIV): I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Above all, be content with last year and whatever this new year will bring. When focusing too much on self or if you find yourself concentrating on your disappointments, find someone who needs help and serve them. When blessed and in a time of plenty, make sure you allow your cup to spill over to others. Build a bigger table, not a higher fence.
Great and Gracious Father, Thank You for the many blessings of 2017. Thank You, maybe even more so, for sustaining us during the difficult times of last year. We ask that You would guide us in our endeavors in 2018. Close the doors You would not have us go through and give us the courage to walk through the doors You have opened before us. Gently remind us to plan and wait for You when we are tempted to forge ahead and make our own way. Above all, please help us to serve others and think of their needs above ourselves. Help us to be content no matter what this year brings and please forgive us when we are selfish, forgetful, anxious or fearful. Amen.